Answers by Todd Bartusek

Totally understandable—and you\'re not alone in feeling this way. Pricing a home is both an art and a science, and it should always be a collaborative conversation, not a one-way decision. While it\'s true that overpricing can hurt your sale, it\'s also fair to want to explore the full potential of your home\'s value—especially if you’ve made upgrades or if there are unique features. A good agent should be able to walk you through: Recent comparable sales in your area Current buyer demand and days on market A pricing strategy that gives you room without scaring off buyers If something feels off or rushed, it’s completely okay to seek a second opinion. You haven’t signed anything yet, and you deserve to feel confident and informed about the process. Wishing you the best with your sale—trust your instincts, and make sure the agent you choose is working with you, not just for the sale. — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | All Metro Real Estate Group

Great question—and thank you for sharing the details. While your credit scores are on the lower side, a large down payment like $110,000 can definitely help improve your chances of approval, even with traditional lenders. Here are a few things to consider: Some lenders offer FHA loans with credit scores as low as 500 if you have at least 10% down. Manual underwriting or specialized loan programs may be available through mortgage brokers or credit unions. A strong down payment reduces lender risk, which may open the door to non-conventional options or portfolio lenders. I’d recommend reaching out to a local mortgage broker in your area—they can shop around with multiple lenders and may have more flexible options than a standard bank. Wishing you the best of luck on your home buying journey—you’re closer than you might think! — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | All Metro Real Estate Group

Great question—and it’s smart to consider the pros and cons before making a move like this. In most areas, you can merge two parcels through your local assessor or planning department, but there are a few things to keep in mind: Merging the lots could simplify things long-term (one tax bill, easier resale), but it might also limit your ability to sell the second lot separately in the future. If you demolish the house and leave the land vacant or add something like a pool, your property taxes may decrease or adjust, depending on your local tax rules and zoning. Some areas have incentives or requirements tied to lot use, so it’s best to check with your county assessor or local zoning office before making any changes. It’s worth a quick call to your local planner or a real estate attorney to understand how this would impact taxes, resale value, and use. Hope this helps—and good luck with the property! — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | All Metro Real Estate Group

Great question! Capital gains tax is a tax on the profit you make from selling an asset like real estate, stocks, or other investments. When it comes to real estate, capital gains tax is typically owed when you sell a property for more than what you originally paid for it—minus certain expenses like improvements and selling costs. Who pays capital gains tax? If you’re selling your primary residence, you may qualify for an exclusion of up to $250,000 in gains if you\'re single—or up to $500,000 if you\'re married and meet ownership and use requirements. If it’s an investment or rental property, then capital gains will likely apply. What should you save for taxes? I recommend keeping: Your closing statements (from both purchase and sale) Receipts for improvements (not maintenance) Records of commissions, legal fees, or other selling costs As a Realtor with 25 years in the Omaha market, I always advise clients to consult with a tax professional for personalized advice. But I’m happy to help gather the documentation you\'ll need! Let me know if you’d like a referral to a local CPA or have questions about selling your home—I\'m here to help. — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | All Metro Real Estate Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Yes, you can relist your home—but the timing can impact your visibility and success. In most MLS systems, if you wait at least 30 days before relisting, your home will appear as a new listing, which can help attract fresh attention from buyers and agents. If you relist too soon, it may show as a re-list or price change, which can affect perception and reduce interest. That said, before going back on the market, I always recommend reviewing: Your original pricing strategy Marketing approach and photos Feedback from previous showings Sometimes a few small updates or a fresh strategy can make a big difference. I’d be happy to help you evaluate the best timing and approach to get your home sold successfully this time around. — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | All Metro Real Estate Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Great question! If your price is fair and you\'re ready to move quickly, the most important step is working with the right agent—someone who knows how to position your home for a fast sale and streamline the process. The right agent will: Create a strong first impression with professional marketing Use targeted online exposure to reach serious, qualified buyers Set clear expectations to limit negotiation back-and-forth Help you prepare upfront so there are fewer surprises during escrow Every situation is unique, but after 25 years in the Omaha market, I’ve learned how to balance speed with strategy so my sellers get results without the stress. If you\'d like to explore how we could approach your sale, I’d be happy to have a no-pressure conversation anytime. — Todd Bartusek Top 1% Omaha Realtor | All Metro Real Estate Group | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices